Aggrostats

The initial on-scene investigation led Troopers to determine that Edwards was driving a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu northbound on LA 21. Edwards pulled onto the right shoulder in an attempted to make a U-turn. As Edwards reentered the northbound lane, her vehicle was hit on the driver side by a Tractor Trailer driven by 50-year-old Carnell Williams Jr. of Prentiss, MS. Despite being properly restrained, Edwards sustained severe injuries in the crash. She was transported to North Oaks Health Systems by Northshore EMS in critical condition. Edwards was pronounced deceased by hospital doctors shortly after her arrival. Williams was properly restrained at the time of the crash and was uninjured. Impairment is not suspected to have been a contributing factor. As part of the fatal crash investigation, blood samples were collected from Edwards. The samples will be sent to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. Williams submitted a voluntary breath sample, which showed no amount of alcohol present.

Troopers would like to remind motorists to remain aware of their surroundings and avoid distractions while driving. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicated that more than 3,000 people nationally lost their lives due to distracted driving in 2015 alone. Please speak to your loved ones about the importance of safe decisions behind the wheel. Explain the dangers of distracted driving. Warn them about the consequences of impaired driving and make sure they are avoiding distractions. The conversation you have today could be the difference tomorrow.

Contact Information:
S/T Dustin Dwight
Louisiana State Police Troop L
Public Affairs Section
Office: (985) 893-6250
dustin.dwight@la.gov
www.LSP.org
www.facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice